Envying the new LG EnV

If you have been wanting more than a basic cell phone but do not need all the features, high price, and expensive monthly charges of smartphones, your search is over. Check out the LG EnV, aka the Vx9900. This phone is small, light, fun, and has just the functions you need for middle-of-the-road users:

• Clamshell design with a screen on the front and a larger screen inside
  

• Right-sized QWERTY keyboard that allows you to comfortably add or edit contact info, write notes to yourself (for example, shopping lists), type text messages, and type search keywords

• 2-megapixel camera with flash, day/night modes, single-point autofocus, white balance adjustments, resolution selections, video mode, and special-effects options (the pictures taken by this camera is incredibly nice for cell phone cameras)
  

• Mobile Web 2.0, so you can surf the web and check web email using AOL, Yahoo, or Gmail (for extra charge per month)
  

• Bluetooth, for transferring photos and videos to/from your computer, and for accessories such as wireless headsets

• MicroSD slot, for storing pictures and videos

• Speakerphone
  

• GPS-like technology and Navigator application (for extra charge per month or per use) so you can receive turn-by-turn voice prompts
  

• VCast program (for extra charge per month) so you can download the latest movie trailers, news clips, segments from TV shows, games, ring tones, and so on

• Great battery life
  

There are probably many more features. But the best part of this phone is the monthly service charge. Sold through Verizon Wireless, you can buy this phone and keep your current voice plan using this phone. If you want the extras, such as accessing the web, you can pay $5, $10, or $15 in addition to your current voice plan. This is an incredible difference compared to the smartphone service plans, which start at $80/mo ($40 minimum for voice plus $40 minimum for data).

For reviews of this phone, see the following links:

• Mobile magazine
  

• CNet

• PC Magazine
  

• Amazon.com